Frequency distribution
In the summer months, fleas usually infest humans more frequently, since fleas lay particularly large numbers of eggs and reproduce from spring to autumn. Particularly frequently affected are people who have close contact to animals/pets. Whether a flea infestation also occurs due to a certain genetic predisposition to specific odorous substances is currently being scientifically researched, whereby the assumption is obvious, since some people are more frequently infested by fleas than others. Other insecticidal parasites such as mosquitoes or ticks also bother some people more than others.
Symptoms
Approximately 5 to 30 minutes after a flea bite, a punctiform, reddened swelling (papule) forms. In addition, a fluid-filled blister (wheal) can form in the middle of the redness after a very short time, which can quickly cause itching. After about 12 to 24 hours, three very itchy papules lying next to each other usually appear.
In addition, fluid-filled blisters or purulent small pustule at the puncture site of the flea are not uncommon. Flea bites occur more frequently on the legs, feet, in the armpit as well as in the knee bend, elbow or hip region. They are usually harmless, but they are usually accompanied by an unpleasant, severe itching.
The itching often leads to scratching of the affected skin area. As a result, open skin areas develop which can become inflamed by germs entering the skin. As a rule, the germs are the bacteria streptococci and staphylococci.
Flea bites usually cause little or no pain, but they can occur in people who are allergic to flea bites. In Europe, complications due to flea bites are a rarity. However, in the tropics and warmer regions of the world there is a possibility of transmission of diseases such as rabbit plague (tularaemia), typhus fever or plague, which must be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
As a therapeutic procedure, it is recommended to fight the fleas first. A hot full bath is the first measure to eradicate fleas that are still on the head or body.Afterwards, bed linen, cuddly toys and clothes should be washed at a minimum of 60° C, better still at 90° C. Carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed as often as possible to remove fleas and their eggs and larvae. Steam cleaning is also recommended.
If the fleas do not disappear in this way, it may be necessary to call in an exterminator who can clean the apartment with special pesticides. If pets could be affected, they should also be treated with fleas as a precaution. Cooling compresses or cool packs can help against the strong itching.
In addition, creams and gels such as Fenistil often provide relief. For possible allergic reactions, a so-called anti-histamine can be administered, which alleviates the reaction to the flea bite and thus counteracts the redness, swelling and itching. These anti-histamines can be prescribed by a doctor or obtained over the counter from a pharmacy. If germs have penetrated through scratching the bite site and a wound infection has developed, the administration of an antibiotic is usually necessary. To prevent such wound infections from developing in the first place, it is very important to avoid scratching.
